Help with Windows?!

18 years ago

I posted this in another forum , but this one appears to get more traffic. Thought maybe I could get a few more suggestions. I also have added another option.

My wife and I are in the early stages of building a house and are trying to decid on windows. We are puting in single-hung, vinyl windows with Low-e glass. I have been around to local suppliers and got some estimates on windows. I am the kind of person that will get online and research until my face turns blue before I buy something, but I am having a real hard time finding much information about windows. It is very frustrating. Here is what I've got, maybe you all can steer me in the right direction. All of these windows have decent numbers on U-Factor and Air Infiltration and they have comparable warranties.

Alliance Windows Systems Windgate Series - $3100

Silverline 2900 Series - $1600

Quaker Manchester Series - $2100

American Construction (Home Depot) - $1800

Thermapro By Pella (Lowes) - $2200

Windsor New Dimension - $2300

Any suggestions on which direction to go? Thanks.

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Comments (6)

carterinms
18 years ago
I feel your pain - seems like all the advice was pointing me to $25K windows but not telling me why they were 10x better than the $2.5K windows! Ultimately, I went on the advice of my GC, for what that's worth. (There's a warrant out for my now ex-GC for Grand Larceny.)

I can't offer any advice on your choices, but check out the Efficient Windows website - Solar Heat Gain Coefficient turned out to be pretty important to me.

We are in a hurricane zone, so pressure ratings are important. The windows I purchased had a 50/50 split instead of the standard 60/40. After I purchased the windows, I found out that the wind testing was done on the 60/40 and might not apply to the 50/50. Also, while my windows meet the 2003 IRC, the mulled ones do not meet the 2006 IRC standards. The difference is that in the 2006 IRC, the mullions have to meet/be tested for wind pressures - the 2003 only required that the individual window be rated.

Here is a link that might be useful: Efficient Windows Org.
cork2win
18 years ago
What part of the country are you in? That matters, because some manufacturers only sell to certain parts, and others make windows specific to certain areas of the country. We went with Simonton and we're in Ohio.
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energy_rater_la
18 years ago
www.nfrc.org
unbiased info to shop different brands.

make sure that windows are for your climate.
best of luck with your build.
crwdz7
Original Author
18 years ago
I am in SW Missouri.

How about Atrium 100 Series for $1995 or
Simonton Profinish Contractor for $2372?

Cork2win, How are the Simonton's.
cork2win
18 years ago
We're still under construction but as far as I can tell, they look good. Simonton is a large company and as far as I could research, well respected and especially good at customer service. We're pleased, so far.
armomto3boys
18 years ago
We were going to go with Simonton but decided to go with Quaker b/c our supplier said they really felt the Quaker was a little bit better window for a slightly lower cost. Not enough $$ to make the decision, but something to consider. They sell both, so it's not like they are benefiting with one over the other. We're also in a small town, so these are neighborhood people that I trust. I also research 'til I'm blue in the face. From what I could find, Quaker is a reliable company with a good track record.